ISU punt returns a game-changer against UNI

AMES — Slotting Allen Lazard as a punt returner was only an experiment in part. Iowa State knew he could catch, but the unknown of how he'd navigate the coverage still lingered.

But the sophomore receiver from Urbandale showed in a big way that he can be more than a guy with good hands.

'The (UNI) punter didn't have very much hang time so I was able to get the ball quick and they set up blocks,' Lazard said. 'My punt-return team did a great job of making blocks and stuff so I was able to make some moves and have some big returns.'

Lazard's returns set the ISU offense at or on the plus side of midfield four times in Iowa State's 31-7 win against Northern Iowa on Saturday. His four returns for 100 yards was the most in a game by one player for the Cyclones (1-0) since 2006.

Two returns by Lazard led directly to 10 points while the other two resulted in a fumble and punt. But he showed ability to read his blockers when given time and use his 6-foot-5, 223-pound frame to work through contact.

'We definitely got some short fields there,' said senior quarterback Sam Richardson. 'We didn't take advantage of it in the first half, but it makes our life a lot easier with the ball on the plus side of the field. There is no excuse not to go get points.'

Whether it was Lazard's returns or defensive end Dale Pierson's key interception in the second quarter, they were all crucial in getting Iowa State to break its two-year losing streak to FCS opponents. But Trever Ryen hitting the seam for a score on a punt return was the icing on the cake.

Ryen, a walk-on who moved to running back at the end of fall camp, fielded the Logan Bieghler punt. It bounced four times before Ryen picked it up and ran behind a wall 81 yards for the touchdown. The 193 total punt return yards bested an ISU record set 23 years ago.

'I was like, 'Don't catch it. Don't catch it.' And when he got it, I said, 'Oh he's going to score,'' Lazard laughed. 'Sure enough he takes it down the sideline. I don't care if I'm doing it or he's doing it. We're a very explosive unit and hopefully we can keep up the production.'

Iowa State started clicking in the second half on offense — with Richardson completing 6-of-6 passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns — but one of the biggest differences in this season opener came on defense. A bevy of junior college players stifled the Panthers (0-1) offense after quarterback Aaron Bailey found Savon Huggins for the 19-yard touchdown pass.

The Cyclones used primarily a three-man front on defense and held Northern Iowa to 126 yards rushing — 85 from Bailey alone on scrambles — and 176 yards through the air. With Iowa up next, Rhoads said he might make adjustments up front to compensate for the Hawkeyes' traditional running style.

'You go against the University of Iowa, who you know loves to run it, play action, has big and physical people at the tight end spot,' Rhoads said. 'You're looking to be more of a four-man front against Iowa than you were against Northern Iowa, who is more of a spread and fast-tempo.'

Burton, Taylor, Wesley not in pads

Iowa State had three major contributors stuck on the sidelines for the season opener, including two starters. Right guard Daniel Burton and defensive end Trent Taylor as well as reserve receiver Jauan Wesley did not suit up.

Taylor and Wesley served one-game suspensions for unspecified violations of the ISU student-athlete conduct policy and both will be available next Saturday. Burton has battled a knee injury through the offseason and is day-to-day on his return.

'Daniel tweaked a knee late in our preparation,' Rhoads said, 'and the medical staff did not feel he was going to be able to protect himself.'

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